alumnus
noun
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Alumnus or Alumna?
Many people are comfortable using the word alumni to refer to someone who was a student of a particular school. However, others feel quite strongly that this is an error and that the following forms should be used: alumnus (for one male), alumni (for multiple males, or for a mix of males and females), alumna (for one female), and alumnae (for multiple females). The shortened form alum and its plural form alums began to be used in the 19th century. Initially, alum was widely viewed as highly colloquial or informal, but is increasing in use as a gender-neutral alternative.
Examples of alumnus in a Sentence
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 July 2026
The university boasts eight alumni who signed the Declaration of Independence.
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Ira Porter,
Christian Science Monitor,
3 July 2026
The brief’s findings revealed that median earnings for UC alumni are greater than high school graduates and other degree holders across the state.
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Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
3 July 2026
After actually losing the first two games, the stage was set for Western to play a team of mostly Hoosiers alumni, which included 1993 national player of the year Calbert Cheaney and Duke’s Bobby Hurley at point guard.
—
Cj Moore,
New York Times,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for alumnus
Cite this Entry
“Alumnus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alumnus. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alumnus
noun
Latin, literally "foster son," from alere "to nourish" — related to alimentary, alma mater
